6 Nations: Five Saracens to start for England

Five Saracens have been included in England’s starting 15 for the final RBS 6 Nations match against France in Paris (kick-off 8pm, live on BBC) as England try to secure their first grand slam since 2003.

Mako Vunipola, George Kruis, Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell will all start in Paris, whilst Saracens full-back Alex Goode will travel with the side as squad cover.

England head coach Eddie Jones said: “We’ve picked our best 23 who we know can get the job done in Paris.

“Everyone wants to be on the field this Saturday so selection was nip and tuck. Danny Care starts at scrum half with Ben Youngs finishing the game. Mako Vunipola comes in at loose-head for Joe Marler who will make an impact off the bench.

“While we are pleased to have already won the championship we don’t want to let our foot off the gas. The objective has always been to win every game, to be the most dominant team in Europe, so it’s been very important for us to approach this week with the same level of intensity we have shown in previous weeks. I’m pleased with how we have prepared and with the focus the squad have shown.

“You can’t underestimate any team in Test match rugby. France are a dangerous side but we go to Paris full of confidence and a hunger to get the win.”

England match-day 23 to face France

15 Mike Brown (vice captain, Harlequins, 47 caps)

14 Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)

13 Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 20 caps)

12 Owen Farrell (vice captain, Saracens, 39 caps)

11 Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs, 14 caps)

10 George Ford (Bath Rugby, 21 caps)

9 Danny Care (Harlequins, 57 caps)

1 Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 31 caps)

2 Dylan Hartley (captain, Northampton Saints, 70 caps)

3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 60 caps)

4 Maro Itoje (Saracens, 3 caps)

5 George Kruis (Saracens, 14 caps)

6 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, 47 caps)

7 James Haskell (Wasps, 66 caps)

8 Billy Vunipola (vice captain, Saracens, 25 caps)

Replacements

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 2 cap)

17 Joe Marler (Harlequins 41 caps)

18 Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints 16 caps)

19 Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 31 caps)

20 Jack Clifford (Harlequins, 4 caps)

21 Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 56 caps)

22 Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers, 26 caps)

23 Elliot Daly (Wasps, 2 cap)

Tommy Taylor (Sale Sharks) and Alex Goode (Saracens) will also travel with the squad to Paris.